What is Oxymetazoline

Oxymetazoline is a nasal spray that is used for treating nasal problems or congestion. Nasal congestion can be due to:-

High fever or other upper respiratory allergies. Common cold. Sinus infection or inflammation.

In addition to these sometimes oxymetazoline is also recommended to treat ear infections and nose bleeding. The nasal spray should not be used for more than three days at a time because this will make the condition worse.

The ingredients present in oxymetazoline are part of drug family called decongestants. It works by stimulating certain receptors known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. This stimulation causes the blood vessels to constrict, less fluid is allowed to pass through blood vessels and hence there is decrease in inflammation.

In the following conditions oxymetazoline nasal spray should not be used. These are:-

If you have taken monoamine oxidase such as marplan, nardil or parnate in the last 14 days. If you have high blood pressure. If you are suffering from any type of heart disease. Thyroid problems. Diabetes. Increased pressure in the eye. Difficulty in urinating. Liver or kidney disease.

Infants are susceptible to the effects of oxymetazoline nasal spray. Do not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding baby. If your age is around 60 then you should take lower dose of this medication.

To apply the nasal spray, keep your head upright, spray then blubber for few minutes. If you are using nasal drops then lie on a bed on your back with your head lynching over the edge. Put the drops and remain in same position for several minutes and then gently move your head.

To prevent infection following points should be kept in mind:-

Do not use the tip of the container to touch the inside of nose. Don’t share this medication with anyone else. Dont reuse the bottle.

This medication should be taken in appropriate amount neither too less not too much. It should not be used more than twice a day. Overdose can cause extreme tiredness, sweating, dizziness, coma and slow heart-beat.

Side-effects associated with it are:-

Difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips, tongue or face, closing of throat. Seizures. An irregular or fast heart-beat.